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Mr. Speaker >> The Honourable Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs.
Hon. Eric Robinson (Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs) >> Mr. Speaker I rise
today to acknowledge Manitoba Day, which was this past Sunday May 12th. It was the 143rd
anniversary of the province of Manitoba.
There were numerous displays and events that occurred yesterday and over the weekend in
recognition of Manitoba Day throughout the Province.
Three years ago this legislature recognized May 12th as Treaty Day.
Earlier today, we again honoured the Manitoba Treaties numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.
The day commenced with a sunrise ceremony in Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. The
festivities continued in the Legislative Rotunda beginning with an opening prayer by Elder
Charlie Nelson, a song by Young Nation Drum Group, an overview of the pipe ceremony and
water song by Elder Peter Atkinson and a water ceremony Sherry Copenance conducted.
We heard presentations from Swan Lake Chief Francine Meeches and Treaty Relations Commissioner
of Manitoba James Wilson.
There was also an exchange of gifts among the three parties symbolizing the general
format of the Treaty making process.
The Treaty Advocacy Award was presented to Dennis White Bird, former Treaty Relations
Commissioner for Manitoba.
Dennis has shown great dedication to the fulfillment of the true spirit and intent of the Treaty
relationship and the education of both First Nation and non-First Nation youth.
Seven of the Assembly of Manitoba Chief's Councilor of Elders were presented with the
Queen Diamond Jubilee Medals from the TRCM.
I congratulate these Elders Wayne Scott from Swan Lake, Harry Bone from Keeseekoowenin,
James Cote from Waywayseecappo, Elder William G. Lathlin from Opaskwayak, D'Arcy Linklater
from Nisichawayasihk, Elder Joe Hyslop from Northlands Denesuline and Doris Pratt from
Sioux Valley.
Mr. Speaker this Government has previously honoured the Métis, Inuit and First Nations
People in the Province of Manitoba.
May 12th is a day we honour the Treaties not only because we recognize that First Nations
are the founders of this province but because the treaty relationship between First Nations
and Canadians needs to be better understood and acknowledged.
The Treaties have not become obsolete.
Far from it they are living documents that all Canadians need to recognize. Without the
treaties between the Crown and First Nations the growth and prosperity of this country
would not have been possible. We are all Treaty people regardless of status.
Many of the promises centre to the treaties have yet to fulfilled or widely understood.
It is for that reason that we have been working with the Treaty Commission to have treaties
as part of the education curriculum just as we have put the residential school legacy
in the school curriculum. In the recent budget speech we also pledged to work with First
Nations and the Federal government on a new model to build and improve schools on reserve.
Personally I have been honoured to represent the east-side communities of Lake Winnipeg
for nearly 20 years now.
I have seen firsthand the poverty and other challenges many face in our province. The
spirit and determination of our citizens despite these obstacles is what makes our province
a great place to live.
That's why our government developed the East Side Transportation Initiative in partnership
with 13 First Nations to build an all weather road network on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
Similarly we have partnered with the Pimachiowin Aki First Nations to protect the largest intact
boreal forest on the planet and are working with them on the UNESCO declaration as a world
heritage site for that region.
Working in partnership with First Nations on hydro developments are a recognition that
future developments will only occur with the participation of First Nations. We cannot
go backwards to the paternalism of the past. The Wuskwatim partnership with Nischawayashik
Cree Nation was the first such partnership in Canada and is the model for the Keeyask
and Conawapa projects.
First Nations across this country are rightly growing impatient waiting for the implementation
of the treaties as was promised when they were signed over a hundred years ago.
It is not acceptable in 2013 to accept the widespread poverty and lack of basic infrastructure
that so many First Nation residents live with.
Our government recognizes the value and the importance of northern Manitoba and pledges
itself to see the north truly achieve its dreams.
That's why we've worked with First Nations on implementing TLE on partnerships in Hydro
development, addressing the damages caused by past developments that excluded First Nations,
the establishment and expansion of the University College of the North, `putting dialysis renal
units on reserves, the creation of the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund, building northern
infrastructure, and protecting the boreal forest by investing in a UNESCO World Heritage
site amongst other northern initiatives.
Fundamentally Mr. Speaker we are all Treaty People and we must work together to recognize
and implement the treaties that are the foundation of this province and country.